Ramen frequently gets a bad rap. After all, it’s long been known as a food that struggling college students or starving artists turn to when they’re short on cash. However, the packaged version many people see at the grocery store is just one way to make ramen. In fact, the dish is a staple in Japanese culture and is often loaded with fresh goodies, such as vegetables, meat and seasonings, that make it a satisfying and hearty meal. The Bay Area is home to diverse cuisines, including many different types of Asian cuisine like ramen. The following eateries dish out some of the tastier ramen in the Bay Area.

Ken Ken Ramen

Located in San Francisco’s Mission District, Ken Ken Ramen is known for its basic, simple ramen but is also the go-to place for people who don’t eat meat because it offers a diverse selection of broths, including vegan and miso as well as soy and salt. The restaurant has a casual and laid-back vibe that matches its streamlined menu offerings and while reservations aren’t required, the establishment is so popular that it occasionally runs out of ramen so guests are advised to get there as early as possible.

Men Oh Ramen

While many Asian restaurants serve a wide range of ramen dishes, Men Oh Ramen specializes in a very specific kind that hails from the Tokushima Prefecture of Japan and uses pork-bone soup for a broth. The restaurant has two Bay Area locations, one in San Francisco and one in Union City, and serves Tokushima, Tonkotsu, and Spicy Tonkotsu ramen.

Ramen Dojo

This San Mateo ramen restaurant is known for its focus on traditional styles of ramen and was also one of the first eateries to help popularize ramen in the Bay Area and make it one of the most sought-after kinds of cuisine in the region. The menu offerings at Ramen Dojo are definitely first-rate but foodies won’t have an easy time getting in as the restaurant has just 30 spots for guests and often has guests lined up even before it opens.

Ramen Shop

One of the trendiest and most talked-about ramen restaurants in the Bay Area is Oakland favorite Ramen Shop. The unconventional eatery serves up ramen with a distinctly California spin, mixing and matching ingredients to create unexpected combinations. The menu also offers vegetarian-friendly options as well as dishes other than ramen. To add a festive vibe to their meal, diners can liven things up with one of the restaurant’s many cocktails.

Stop by one of these ramen spots the next time you get a craving for some great noodles. Call ahead or check websites to confirm offerings and hours, as menu items and open times are subject to change.